Former University of West Florida women’s soccer student-athlete Daniela Cruz will compete for Costa Rica during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, which runs through July 5.

The defender is one of 23 players selected to her native country’s roster. This will mark the first time in Cruz’s career that she will be competing in a World Cup.

Costa Rica was selected into Group E and will face Brazil, Spain and Korea Republic in the group stage. Costa Rica plays its first match against Spain today at 3 p.m. Central time.

Their second match will be against Korea Republic on June 13 with the final match in the group stage coming against Brazil on June 17.

Cruz has 33 international appearances and six international goals for Costa Rica.

Cruz was a key figure for the West Florida defense from 2011 to 2013. She helped anchor the defense during UWF’s national championship run in 2012 and was a 2013 Daktronics All-America Second Team selection.

Cruz was also twice selected to the All-Gulf South Conference First Team.